The London Literature Festival returns to the Southbank Centre from October 21st to November 1st, 2026, once again establishing itself as one of the most highly anticipated cultural events in the city. This year’s edition will have a new dimension as Dua Lipa takes on the role of curator, bringing her unique perspective, which has been shaped by her literary platform, the Service95 Book Club.
Blending literature with contemporary culture, the festival will feature a diverse programme of talks, readings and live conversations, including a special opening weekend at the Royal Festival Hall. Curated in collaboration with the Service95 Book Club, the line-up promises a thoughtful mix of established authors and up-and-coming writers, reflecting Dua Lipa’s own literary tastes.
Southbank Centre 75th Anniversary Programme
As part of the Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary programme, the 19th edition of the festival showcases the institution’s enduring dedication to literature and the spoken word. It also coincides with the UK’s National Year of Reading, further emphasising the cultural importance of literature and storytelling at a time when they are being reimagined.
Dua Lipa’s role as curator feels both intentional and timely. Since launching the Service95 Book Club in 2023, she has become a prominent advocate for reading, leveraging her global platform to shine the spotlight on authors, champion diverse voices and engage new audiences. Through monthly selections and in-depth conversations with writers, she has cultivated a space where literature intersects with contemporary life, making her a natural choice to lead this year’s festival.
Her curatorial vision is expected to bring an intimate yet globally attuned approach to the programme, transforming the London Literature Festival into a space where music, storytelling and cultural dialogue converge.
